Neeraj Vora wasn’t just a filmmaker; he was Bollywood’s unsung architect of hilarity. From his roots in Gujarat to Mumbai’s bustling film scene, his journey began early. Father to a budding artist, Pandit Vinayakray instilled music and creativity, leading Neeraj to theater at age six and college drama triumphs.
Entry into cinema came via 1984’s ‘Holi,’ rubbing shoulders with legends. TV stints in ‘Circus’ built his base, but ‘Rangeela’ dialogues in 1995 marked his breakthrough. Then came the game-changers: ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) scripted a career-defining trio—Akshay Kumar’s slapstick mastery, Paresh Rawal’s quirkiness, Suniel Shetty’s timing—all elevated by Neeraj’s pen.
The formula repeated masterfully in ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ (2006), packing theaters, and ‘Bol Bachchan’ (2012), a dialogue-driven delight. Directing ventures like ‘Khiladi 420’ and acting roles in ‘Baadshah’ and ‘Welcome Back’ showcased his versatility. His comedy was intelligent, relatable, and devoid of vulgarity, appealing to all ages.
Health woes hit hard in 2016—a stroke led to coma at friend Firoz Nadiadwala’s home ICU setup. After 13 grueling months, Neeraj left us on December 14, 2017, aged 54. Tributes flooded in, including from PM Modi, honoring a man whose laughter legacy endures in every rewatch of his classics.
